From Salta: Full-Day Trip to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca

From Salta: Full-Day Trip to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca

Traveling through Argentina’s northwest offers some of the most striking scenery you’ll find anywhere in South America. For about $40 USD, you can spend roughly 13 hours exploring two of the region’s most iconic sights: the Salinas Grandes salt flats and the Hill of 7 Colors in Purmamarca. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour promises a day filled with breathtaking views, cultural charm, and enough photo opportunities to make your social media jealous.

What we love about this experience is how it seamlessly combines nature’s grandeur with authentic local flavors — from the vibrant town of Purmamarca to the vast salt plains. Plus, the winding drive along the Cuesta de Lipan makes the journey itself as memorable as the destinations.

One thing to consider is the long drive involved, which might be tiring for some. If you’re keen on relaxing or have mobility concerns, this is something to keep in mind. But for those eager to see the most iconic sights of Jujuy and Salta provinces, this tour delivers.

This experience is perfect for travelers craving stunning landscapes, culture, and a well-organized day trip that covers a lot of ground without the hassle of planning transport themselves. Nature lovers, Instagram enthusiasts, and those with just a day in Salta should find this trip particularly rewarding.

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Key Points

• Stunning landscapes including the famous Hill of 7 Colors and salt flats
• Professional guides provide detailed insights in both English and Spanish
• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off within central Salta
• Affordable price offers excellent value considering the sights covered
• Ample time at each stop for photos and exploration
• Long but scenic drive that’s part of the adventure

An In-Depth Look at the Full-Day Tour from Salta

Starting the Journey: Hotel Pickup and Scenic Drive

Once you’ve booked your spot — which is flexible with “reserve now, pay later” options — the day begins with pickup from your hotel within 15 blocks of Plaza 9 Julio. This convenience ensures you won’t waste precious time hunting for meeting points.

From there, we set off towards Jujuy Province, passing through charming towns such as Volcán and Tumbaya. The ride itself is part of the experience. Expect a comfortable, modern vehicle — many reviews praise the quality of transport, noting its cleanliness and smooth driving, which is especially appreciated on the winding mountain roads.

Exploring Purmamarca: The Town and the 7 Colors Hill

Our first major stop is in Purmamarca, a picturesque village often called one of the “most colorful” places in Argentina. Its main square, with vibrant markets and local craft stands, signals the start of the cultural experience. Many visitors mention that wandering these streets feels like stepping into a living postcard.

The highlight here is the Hill of 7 Colors, a natural wonder that’s even more stunning in the morning sun. We loved the way the varying mineral layers create a palette of reds, yellows, greens, and purples. According to reviews, you’ll have plenty of time (around two hours) to walk around, take photos, and soak in the scenery.

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Winding Up the Cuesta de Lipan: Ascending to the Salt Flats

Leaving Purmamarca, the road climbs along the Cuesta de Lipan, a winding mountain pass renowned for its dramatic vistas. This part of the trip is often praised for its spectacular views. As you ascend to about 12,500 feet, you might feel the effects of altitude, so pace yourself and hydrate.

The drive itself is a highlight, with many reviews mentioning how guides stop at strategic points for photos and explanations. One reviewer notes that the guide “went above and beyond” to ensure everyone had a great time, stopping for wildlife sightings and sharing insights about the landscape.

The Salt Flats: Salinas Grandes

Finally, you arrive at the Salinas Grandes, one of the 7 Wonders of Argentina. Here, the vast salt plains stretch as far as the eye can see — an otherworldly landscape. You’ll have free time to walk on the salt, admire its shimmering surface, and take those iconic “salt flat” photos that look like you’re walking on the sky.

Many travelers comment on how “spectacular” and “unlike anything else” the salt flats are. A few reviews note that visitors can also see pools and salty formations that make for excellent close-up photos. Be prepared to be amazed by the scale and the surreal beauty of this natural wonder.

Lunch and Cultural Touches in Purmamarca

After exploring the salt flats, the tour makes a return to Purmamarca for lunch. Local restaurants offer traditional Argentine fare, often praised for good value and hearty portions. Some reviews mention splitting shared meals, which still provides plenty of food at reasonable prices.

This break is also a good chance to shop for souvenirs or just relax before heading back. The town’s charm and scenery give you a chance to reflect on the day’s awe-inspiring sights.

The Return Journey

The trip home includes a scenic drive back through the landscape, with guides sharing stories and answering questions. Many visitors appreciate the relaxed pace, allowing ample time to enjoy the views and avoid feeling rushed. The entire experience wraps up with hotel drop-off, making it a stress-free day that maximizes your sightseeing and minimizes hassle.

What the Reviews Tell Us

Guides make or break this trip, and reviews consistently praise the knowledge and enthusiasm of guides like Federico, Fernando, or Cesar. “The guides were extremely knowledgeable,” one review states, and “they went above and beyond” to make the day memorable. Many mention that guides translated everything into English, which is a huge plus for non-Spanish speakers.

The scenery is described as “spectacular,” “breathtaking,” and “surreal,” especially at the Hill of 7 Colors and Salinas Grandes. The salt flats, in particular, impress even seasoned travelers, who say the landscape is “unlike anything else” they’ve seen.

The value for money is clear, especially considering the long day with hotel pickup, transportation, guide services, and the visits included. For $40, you get a rich, full experience that hits some of Argentina’s most photogenic landmarks.

However, the long drive (approximately two hours each way) is a consideration. While many find it part of the adventure, others suggest that a longer stay at sites like Purmamarca could enhance the experience, depending on your pace.

Practical Details: What to Know Before You Go

• Duration: About 13 hours, including pickup, travel, sightseeing, and lunch
• Price: $40 per person — excellent value for the number of sites covered
• Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off within a 15-block radius from Plaza 9 Julio, guided tours in English and Spanish
• Not Included: Food and drinks (lunch is at your own expense, but many reviews say the local restaurants are worth trying)
• What to bring: Passport (used for crossing into Jujuy), plenty of sunscreen, water, and camera gear
• Altitude: Expect to reach 12,500 feet, so hydrate and take it slow if you’re sensitive to high elevations
• Suitability: Best for active travelers who are comfortable with a lot of sitting on a bus and walking around in outdoor settings. Not ideal for those with back problems or mobility concerns.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup is included if you stay within 15 blocks of Plaza 9 Julio. Make sure your hotel is nearby to avoid extra hassle.

How long is the drive each way?
Expect about two hours each direction, but many reviews say the scenic drive is part of the fun and offers plenty of photo stops.

Can I buy souvenirs at Purmamarca?
Absolutely. Many craft stands sell local handmade goods, perfect for souvenirs or gifts.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but the tour stops at local restaurants, which many travelers find worthwhile.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport, comfortable clothes, sunscreen, water, and cash for souvenirs or tips.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially for families with children who enjoy outdoor scenery, but consider the length and the altitude.

Are guides bilingual?
Most guides speak both Spanish and English, providing explanations in both languages to ensure everyone understands.

Final Thoughts

This full-day tour from Salta to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca offers a fantastic snapshot of Argentina’s northwest. You’ll experience spectacular landscapes, learn about local culture from engaging guides, and enjoy good value for the price. The stops are well-paced, with ample time to take photos and soak in the scenery, making it ideal for travelers eager to see diverse natural wonders in one day.

If you’re someone who appreciates stunning vistas and doesn’t mind a long bus ride, this trip will leave you with stunning memories and plenty of stories. It’s especially perfect if you want an organized, hassle-free way to tick off some of Argentina’s most iconic sights without the stress of planning transportation yourself.

For those who like being in nature, exploring cultural spots, and having knowledgeable guides to enrich the experience, this tour hits all those marks. Just be ready for a full day, and don’t forget your camera!

Enjoy your trip and remember: sometimes the journey is just as spectacular as the destination.

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